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This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.
Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 12 to 24 months. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability: Applications are open for 2026.
Online Application: To be confirmed. Please contact the team on the details below for further information on how to apply.
Apprenticeships/Traineeships: This course can be undertaken as a traineeship. Visit TAFE Apprenticeships and Traineeships for more information.
This qualification reflects the role of individuals with well-developed skills and knowledge required to deliver recreational services. Using discretion and judgement, they work with some independence and under limited supervision using clearly defined plans, policies and procedures to guide work activities.
This qualification provides a pathway to work for any type of sport, aquatic or recreation organisation including commercial, not-for-profit, community and government organisations.
The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Remote |
| Duration | 12 months full-time 24 months part-time *Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level |
| Study Mode | Blended Face-to-face Online Workplace *Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide |
| Start Date | Semester 1 - 02/02/2026 Semester 2 - 13/07/2026 *Students can enrol at any time after the identified start date and will commence at the start of the available unit. A specific commencement date will be determined in consultation with the delivery team. *A course timetable/study plan will be provided on application for the course. |
| Attendance | Remote Other locations |
Career opportunities
Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:
- Recreation officer
- Sport and recreation attendant
- Leisure services officer
- Activity operations officer
- Community activities officer
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises skills and knowledge gained through previous study, work experience, volunteering, or life experience. If your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of a unit of competency, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your qualification. If you would like to apply for RPL, please indicate this when completing your enrolment form. For more information, please contact CDU TAFE Student Services on 08 8946 7111, or email TAFE@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
If you have completed the same, or an equivalent, unit through another Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for a credit transfer. To apply, submit a completed Application for Credit Transfer Form and supporting documentation. Applications are encouraged at the time of enrolment. There is no fee for credit transfer applications.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Further training pathways from this qualification include but are not limited to SIS40122 Certificate IV in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation.
Fees
2026 Fees
| Fee Type | 2026 Course Fees |
| Fee Free TAFE* | Free |
| Full Fee | $3,411.07 - $6,545.94 |
*This course is part of the Fee Free TAFE initiative. Fee Free TAFE and vocational education and training is a joint initiative of the Northern Territory Government and Australian Governments providing tuition-free training places to students wanting to train, retain or upskill.
Fee free places are available for eligible domestic students who are NT residents, limited places are available, so secure your place now.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
International VET Package
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve SIS30122 Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation a total of fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising six (6) core and nine (9) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
To achieve one of the following specialisations:
- All 5 units from Group B must be completed to be awarded Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation (Pool Lifeguard)
- All 5 units from Group C must be completed to achieve Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation (Recreation Officer)
- All 5 units from Group D must be completed to achieve Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation (Swim Teacher)
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 247 - 474.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency (complete all core units) | ||
| BSBWHS308 | Participate in WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control processes | 50 |
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety | 20 |
| SISXCCS004 | Provide quality service | 25 |
| SISXEMR003 | Respond to emergency situations | 20 |
| SISXFAC006 | Maintain activity equipment | 5 |
| SISXIND011 | Maintain sport, fitness and recreation industry knowledge | 50 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 170 | |
| Elective units of competency (Select 9 units) | ||
| Recreation Officer Specialisation (complete all units in Group C and in Group E below) | ||
| Group C - Recreation Officer | ||
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | 18 |
| SISXIND012 | Select and use technology for sport, fitness and recreation work | 45 |
| SISXPLD002 | Deliver recreation sessions | 60 |
| SISXPLD004 | Facilitate groups | 25 |
| SISXPLD005 | Facilitate inclusion for people with disability | 30 |
| Group E - General Electives | ||
| BSBPEF301 | Organise personal work priorities | 30 |
| BSBCRT311 | Apply critical thinking skills in a team environment | 40 |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 |
| SISXFAC007 | Maintain clean facilities | 16 |
| Pool Lifeguard Specialisation (complete all units in Group B, Group C and in Group E below) | ||
| Group B - Pool Lifeguard | ||
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | 18 |
| SISCAQU019 | Supervise patron safety in aquatic locations (Credit Transfer only) | CT |
| SISCAQU020 | Perform water rescues (Credit Transfer only) | CT |
| SISCAQU021 | Perform complex water rescues (Credit Transfer only) | CT |
| SISCAQU022 | Provide oxygen resuscitation and therapy in an aquatic environment (Credit Transfer only) | CT |
| Group C - Recreation Officer | ||
| SISXPLD004 | Facilitate groups | 25 |
| SISXPLD005 | Facilitate inclusion for people with disability | 30 |
| Group E - General Electives | ||
| BSBCRT311 | Apply critical thinking skills in a team environment | 40 |
| SISXFAC007 | Maintain clean facilities | 16 |
| Swim Teacher Specialisation (complete all units in Group D and Group C below) | ||
| Group D - Swim Teacher | ||
| HLTAID009 | Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation | 4 |
| SISCAQU020 | Perform water rescues (Credit Transfer only) | CT |
| SISCAQU023 | Perform water rescues (Credit Transfer only) | CT |
| SISCAQU024 | Teach water familiarisation, bouyancy and mobility skills (Credit Transfer only) | CT |
| SISCAQU025 | Teach water safety and survival skills (Credit Transfer only) | CT |
| SISCAQU026 | Teach swimming strokes (Credit Transfer only) | CT |
| Group C - Recreation Officer | ||
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | 18 |
| SISXPLD004 | Facilitate groups | 25 |
| SISXPLD005 | Facilitate inclusion for people with disability | 30 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 77 - 304 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 247 - 474 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
There are no mandatory entry requirements for this qualification.
A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
Charles Darwin University is a platform that can serve as a bridge for your future. Australia is a land of opportunities and when you work hard you get to see the fruits of your labour.
Sharina
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
Charles Darwin University is a platform that can serve as a bridge for your future. Australia is a land of opportunities and when you work hard you get to see the fruits of your labour.
Sharina
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the SIS Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package.
Away from base
AFB: This is an approved Away From Base (AFB) 'mixed-mode' course.
For further information about AFB see www.cdu.edu.au/afb
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Remote
Study Mode: On campus, online, both, workplace assessment
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
Tourism, Recreation and Beauty Services |
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.
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